Charter school teachers vote to join union

The Associated Press

Published: Friday, January 26, 2007 at 6:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 26, 2007 at 12:00 a.m.

PEMBROKE PINES - Teachers in seven charter schools voted Thursday to join the American Federation of Teachers, becoming the first charter schools in the state to be unionized, according to the group.
"The AFT believes all teachers deserve an opportunity to bargain collectively for fair salaries, benefits and greater input in making the charter schools of Pembroke Pines schools of excellence. Today's vote makes that possible," AFT president Edward J. McElroy said in a statement.
The schools voting to join the AFT by a vote of 181-46 are: Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School (Central, East and West), Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School (Central and West), and Pembroke Pines-FSU Charter Elementary School.
The AFT also represents charter school professionals in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The AFT represents more than 1.3 million people including teachers, school staff, nurses and health professionals.

PEMBROKE PINES - Teachers in seven charter schools voted Thursday to join the American Federation of Teachers, becoming the first charter schools in the state to be unionized, according to the group.<BR>
"The AFT believes all teachers deserve an opportunity to bargain collectively for fair salaries, benefits and greater input in making the charter schools of Pembroke Pines schools of excellence. Today's vote makes that possible," AFT president Edward J. McElroy said in a statement.<BR>
The schools voting to join the AFT by a vote of 181-46 are: Pembroke Pines Charter High School, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School (Central, East and West), Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School (Central and West), and Pembroke Pines-FSU Charter Elementary School.<BR>
The AFT also represents charter school professionals in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The AFT represents more than 1.3 million people including teachers, school staff, nurses and health professionals.<BR>